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Ran Across this 6 year old draft by Brother Hook that was never posted for some reason…

I was once a member of the first cancer rehab program in the nation. It was understood by members of the team that treatment of the body included important spiritual dimensions, so, as one of the Chaplains at Parkland Hospital, I was assigned to the cancer rehab program. The experience was certainly a learning experience for every member of the group. Deloris reminded me recently of the two doctors who worked with me and others, who asked me to preside over their wedding vows. In thinking about them, I was reminded how far cancer treatment has come since the early seventies. This week a new cancer drug, Cytoxan, was announced as very successful in treating neuroblastomas, an aggressive type of brain cancer. The drug works similar to the human immune system to attack a certain protein, one that is a genetic marker within the cancer. Just as the body can be given antibiotics, which enables the immune system to fight back, some types of cancer can be treated with a drug that attacks the tumor. Interestingly, the development of Cytoxan has opened doors of understanding to most cancers and how to destroy them. Folks, someday soon there will be a cure for cancer. Research and science, much maligned by some religious people, are wonderful tools of God.

The Children’s Christmas Program will be during the worship service Sunday December 21st. which begins at 10:50 am. Director Sue Coles has informed me that the practices are going well. Come and be blessed as the children share their special music about the birth of Baby Jesus.

We are a thankful people. Almost 250 came to worship despite inclement weather. Brother Bill Sagely brought a powerful message encouraging us to follow Christ and be thankful that Christ goes before us. After the service we gathered in the fellowship hall for a feast that was enjoyed by all.

Our Community Thanksgiving Service will be held here on Sunday the 23rd. at 6 pm. Brother Bill Sagely will bring the message. There will be a meal following and everyone is invited. Please feel free to bring a favorite side dish or a 2 liter, etc.

Breakfast represents the first nourishment of the day. Likewise, we hope that by cooking, eating and cleaning together and often, the bond of community and church family will be nourished, with relationships growing deeper and richer. Jesus and the early church exemplified this by living and working almost entirely in common. They shared almost everything, somewhat out of necessity and safety, but also because the great and difficult work of the church required the support of a loving community. From the beginning, God called his people into families and communities that share their faith and live their lives in common. Two thousand and some years later, our society is wealthy, safe and technologically advanced, well beyond the imagination of those first Christians. A consequence, intended or not, is that our physical needs can be met living almost in total independence or isolation. And yet, much of the world is suffering from a hunger that cannot be satisfied by solitary means. Our avarice consumption of most everything to satisfy that hunger only leaves us with the hangover of loneliness, despair and low self-worth, and we soon are hungry again. Can the Church be a better example for the world than the constant and hypnotic siren song that promotes and idolizes exuberant self-pride and independence? If so, we must reject our desire for a numbing, consumerized church model that is, at best, of moderate significance to its members and even less to the communities that surround it. We must reclaim our own sense of a humble, loving and interdependent community of worshipers. It has taken long time for us to reach this state and may take a long time to reclaim the spirit that began that first Pentecost, but God is patient. Can we start by sharing breakfast Sunday mornings at 9:30?

Victims of the resent tornadoes to our west will certainly need our prayers in the days and months to come. The Volunteers in Mission coordinators in Arkansas has been in contact with the VIM coordinator in Oklahoma, and they are asking teams and people NOT to come right now. They have all of the people on the ground that they need. Be assured, there will be many mission opportunities for many months for those who feel led in this way. However, there is something you can do right away.

The United Methodist Comittee On Relief or UMCOR will be helping with this disaster for many months to come. You can make donations to this disaster response (advance #901670) in any of the following ways.

We hope all friends, family and guest will make it to our annual Valentines Banquet this Sunday evening at 6:00pm. You will enjoy a Candle light dinner with soft music, some fun games and our traditional Spaghetti Dinner menu.

This meal is traditionally served by our young people. This a time when they put the adults first and take on a servants heart. This tradition was started in the old church in the mid 90’s. It eventually became the Valentines banquet.

In today’s modern world, much of the emphasis of Valentines seems to marketed toward Eros or sensual love, and we certainly appreciate this gift from God. However as a community we especially cherish and celebrate agape love; a love of action or sacrifice that God demonstrates toward us, especially through his son Jesus, who made the greatest sacrifice for us. When we reflect agape love back toward God, our spouses, children and very close relations, it is because God first loved us in this way and calls us to do the same. Philia love is vital for the more peaceful world that we are all longing for. This is the love of warm friendships and affections we have within our communities and beyond. This form of love is demonstrated by our empathy and sorrow we feel as we see others suffer, and the joy and smiles we have as they conquer their struggles.

Please leave your struggles, cares and sorrows at the door and come enjoy a relaxing time of fellowship with family and friends!

Folksy now celebrates eternal rest with Jesus. The visitation and funeral will be at Cave City United Methodist Church. Visitation is Sunday night from 5pm -7pm. The funeral service will be at 10:00am Monday.